Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Never A Dull Moment

Top positive review

Ah, nostalgia!

Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2021

In the 1970s, I had a rather disastrous courtship experience during which I at least saw several movies I remembered quite favorably. This was one: all I really remembered after so many years was that when it was over, it seemed as if it had lasted no more than twenty minutes -- that's how well it fit this title (which turns out to be rather a generic one). Watching it again in 2020, I found it hadn't really suffered in entertainment value. There is one problematic and inadequately explained coincidence in the plot structure, near the end; but since the whole thing is a light romp, that doesn't hurt the total effect too much. I give it five stars for doing well what it sets out to do -- which is not to provide fine, important, or solid fare, but to entertain with unpretentious fluff; it is enjoyable, and sometimes that's what you want and need.

3 people found this helpful

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Jerry Flack

Almost All Dull Moments

Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2022

After Dick Van Dyke's superb performance in not just one, but two roles in Mary Poppins, the Disney Studios starred the terrific comic actor in at least two huge flops. The plot of Never A Dull Moment could have made a funny and highly entertaining film. Alas, the script writer(s) and/or director chose a lackluster way to interpret the story. Van Dyke's talents are totally wasted. An interesting footnote. Edward G. Robinson portrays a mob leader who has a secret passion for art. So did Robinson. He is on record as having purchased the first four paintings famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo ever sold. In the early 1930s, Robinson bought four of her paintings for $200 each. Today, those works of art are worth millions of dollars. Robinson's phenomenal art collection included at least one Rembrandt. Now, there is a story worth telling.

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From the United States

microjoe

mistaken identity comedy farce...

Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2005

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Dick Van Dyke stars as struggling TV actor Jack, playing gangsters in hokey weekly series. In a case of mistake identity, a gang member picks up Jack on a street corner thinking he is the out of town hitman he is supposed to pick up for a big job. Taking him to the home of the mob boss, Jack tries to escape. When he realizes that discovery of his true identity means his death, Jack dives into the role of his life, literally. His mistaken identity cover-up is hilarious as he really seems to relish his role as a tough guy, even scaring the other real gangsters. Edward G. Robinson does a marvelous job playing a mob boss that would secretly prefer to be a painter and steals famous art for his own enjoyment instead of to sell. When the real hitman shows up, Jack has to convince the gang that HE is the phony, and stop the robbery. His love interest in the movie is well played by Dorothy Provine.

Disney Studios had high hopes for this film, starring one of their big name actors, and the film has its moments but was not a box office success. The scenes in the Art museum get a little tedious at the end but over all it is enjoyable, and there is some nice art as well. A.J. Carothers wrote the screenplay, after working on several other Disney projects such as "Miracle of the White stallions". The story is based on the book by John Godey. The Disney movie posters promoting the film had a tagline that said, "we're having such a wonderful crime...". Released theatrically on June 26, 1968. It appeared on "The Wonderful World of Disney" in 1979. It was released on video for the first time in 1985, and DVD for the first time in 2005.

13 people found this helpful

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Paula W

Funny little movie

Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2011

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We watched this movie years ago via VHS rental, with our children. As they became adults, we discussed old movies we had seen and decided to start searching for them on DVD to rewatch.

Dick Van Dyke is a two bit actor who gets mistaken for a hit man/gangster. When he realizes the only way to survive is to act the part and play along, he finds himself in all kinds of trouble. Good acting and great characters.

Our family has adopted some quotes from the movie: "Stop that bleeding, it's stupid", "the punk got nervous and pulled a shiv on me" and "You want me to make him dead?".

Great movie and great memories. Definitely a classic.

3 people found this helpful

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Robert J. Quigley

Disney is fun (at least when he was still around)

Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2013

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When Dick van Dyke left CBS of the Dick van Dyke Show, it was at the top of CBS lineup and when they said goodbye in 1966, Mr. van Dyke left to pursue other facets of film. When Disney contacted him to do a few films, he did Robin Crusoe USN and Never a Dull Moment. Of the two films, I enjoyed the second film the best. It was a film I saw Dull Moment in the theater. I rolled with laughter Not only for Mr. van Dyke's versatility but also the gamut of character actors that were in the film i.e. Jack Elam and Slim Pickerns. I thoroughly was entertained and grabbed at the opportunity of owning it on DVD.

One person found this helpful

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Ron4449

Never A Dull Moment

Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2020

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Good movie. Not one of his best. But worth while.

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Byron

was excellent as the hero/patsy

Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2015

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I saw this movie when it originally played in the theaters.I was a big fan of E.G. Robinson and this was one of his last roles.Of course it was a stereotypical role for him to play.Dick Van Dyke,was excellent as the hero/patsy.

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Legendary entertainer

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2016

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Again, like Bob Hope, another movie I had to watch because of the star. Another legendary entertainer who always managed to make everything he did, work.

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Super7Girl

Worth Renting

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2014

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This movie was enjoyable and family-friendly. It combined elements of danger and mystery with slapstick humor - a pleasant alternative to so many of the dark mysteries being made today. Although I don't think I would want to buy it, it was a nice diversion for a one-time rental.

One person found this helpful

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